Japan to Reinforce Efforts to Encourage Recluses to Work (News)

Tokyo, Jan. 12 (Jiji Press)—Japan will strengthen efforts in fiscal 2018 to encourage people who tend to isolate themselves from society to enter the workforce.

The Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare will provide financial assistance to municipalities that offer support to such social recluses, known as hikikomori, through visits to their homes.

The government's budget plan for the fiscal year starting in April sets aside ¥580 million for the initiative, part of an existing project to help the needy acquire abilities to get jobs.

According to a survey by the Cabinet Office, the number of young people in Japan who stay at home and isolate themselves from society was estimated at some 540,000 as of December 2015.

In many cases, such people find it difficult to come out even though municipalities urge them to take part in work-related events, such as seminars for learning manners as members of society. Municipalities also often fail to find nearby companies that can provide job trial opportunities for stay-at-homes.